Algebra: Aw Chute!

In this math lesson, learners determine and compare the rate of descent of various learner-constructed parachutes. Learners construct parachutes that will have maximum hang times. Learners then drop their parachutes from a height of two meters and record the hang times. Using the distance formula, learners compute the rate of descent and record the data. Learners then arrange the parachutes in terms of hang time and examine the shapes for patterns. (Note: for low-mass parachutes like the ones made here, the terminal velocity is reached very quickly, so the rate of descent will be approximately constant. However, you may want to explain to your learners that in many problems related to falling, the descent rate will vary considerably with time. As a result, in most cases, the distance formula only gives the average velocity for each run.)